Towards a Psychogeography of the Long Haul Flight Part VII

The relationship between control and consumerism in the modern airport is more specifically seen seen in airport furniture. Airport furniture is designed to affect behaviour and in this respect is not so different from modern public seating in cities. The latter utilises arm rests, unconfortable shaping and cold metallic frames to prevent activities deemed to be anti-social, such as loitering, skateboarding and sleeping. However, as the airport is a tightly secure environment, these anti-social issues are less likely to arise. Airport furniture, therefore, has a very specific task - to keep the waiting passenger on the move.

The seating may appear aethetically fitting, but the use of arm rests to prevent sleeping and uncomfortable designs to prevent long periods of sitting, render rest a misery. Their function is to ensure that the traveller remains on the move because a restless traveller is more likely to venture into a shop or buy a drink. The furniture design in an airport terminal is directed towards consumer activity. Consumerism is in the very fabric of the airport terminal.